Proverbs 29:19-27

The Message

¹⁹ It takes more than talk to keep workers in line;
    mere words go in one ear and out the other.

²⁰ Observe the people who always talk before they think—
    even simpletons are better off than they are.

²¹ If you let people treat you like a doormat,
    you’ll be quite forgotten in the end.

²² Angry people stir up a lot of discord;
    the intemperate stir up trouble.

²³ Pride lands you flat on your face;
    humility prepares you for honors.

²⁴ Befriend an outlaw
    and become an enemy to yourself.
When the victims cry out,
    you’ll be included in their curses
    if you’re a coward to their cause in court.

²⁵ The fear of human opinion disables;
    trusting in God protects you from that.

²⁶ Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
    but only God will give us justice.

²⁷ Good people can’t stand the sight of deliberate evil;
    the wicked can’t stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.